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CVE-2020-17023

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Visual Studio Code when a user is tricked into opening a malicious 'package.json' file. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p> <p>To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to convince a target to clone a repository and open it in Visual Studio Code. Attacker-specified code would execute when the target opens the malicious 'package.json' file.</p> <p>The update address the vulnerability by modifying the way Visual Studio Code handles JSON files.</p>
An official patch is available. Apply the patch as soon as possible.
7.8
CVSS
6.2
ShadowTrackr
NO
CISA KEV
-
NCSC.nl
CVSS v4.0 Metrics
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
ComplexityLow
RequirementsPresent
PrivilegesNone
User InteractionActive
Threat
Exploit MaturityPoC
Vulnerable System
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
Subsequent System
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
Supplemental
SafetyNegligible
AutomatableYes
RecoveryAutomatic
Value DensityConcentrated
UrgencyMedium
Patch StatusOfficial Patch

Change Log
DateSourceChangesScore
2026-07-21nvdpatch: Unavailable→Official Patch6.2 → 6.2
2026-07-21cve.orginitial, patch: Unavailable6.2

Affected Software
VendorProductVersion
MicrosoftVisual Studio Code≥ 1.0.0, < publication
microsoftvisual_studio_codeAll versions
Published: 2020-10-16